Scholz asserts "peace in Ukraine possible anytime", calls for Putin to retreat
The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for over two years, seeming without an end in sight. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes that "peace in Ukraine is possible at any moment".
During an interview with "Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung", Chancellor Scholz discussed his last conversation with Putin.
"Our last phone call was in December 2022. Before that, we talked more often. A few days before the war, we spoke in person, for a very long time, in Moscow," Scholz recounted. He remembered that during this last meeting, they sat at a long table because Putin was very cautious about the coronavirus infection.
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The possibility of initiating negotiations to end the war in Ukraine also came up during the conversation.
"There have always been attempts at mediation. For instance, shortly after the war started, Russia and Ukraine conducted direct negotiations. Those talks failed, as Russia merely used them as a distraction, simultaneously shifting its troops east to launch a major offensive," Scholz declared. "Then, the massacres in Bucha and Irpin were exposed - shocking human rights violations by the Russian armed forces against civilians, rendering the talks meaningless," he added.
"Peace could happen any moment"
Scholz noted that, later, successful discussions were held with Russia regarding the grain agreement. "Unfortunately, Putin eventually reneged on them. Talks also covered security issues at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and prisoner exchanges," he said.
"Several countries, including Ukraine, are now discussing at the level of security advisors, what could lead to a peace process," the German Chancellor revealed. "But let me be clear: peace is achievable at any time. Putin only needs to cease his brutal campaign and pull back his forces," he emphasized.
"Putin shouldn't get his hopes up"
Scholz elaborated on his stark opposition to providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles. "As the head of the government, I bear the responsibility for matters of war, peace, and security in Europe, which includes the Taurus issue. Despite our strong support for Ukraine, preventing the conflict from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO is paramount. We will not deploy our soldiers to Ukraine. Every arms shipment is carefully evaluated in this light. That's the reason behind my decision," he explained.
However, Scholz highlighted Germany's significant support for Ukraine with arms and ammunition, more than any other European country. "We invest over £24 billion in this effort, outspending many countries combined. We'll continue as long as necessary, signaling to Putin that he cannot simply outwait our support," Scholz stated.
Source: maz-online.de
